by Darren Moore
Sports betting in Georgia has been an ongoing battle, with repeated setbacks over the years. Despite the growing popularity of sports betting across the U.S., the Peach State has yet to join the ranks of states offering legal online sports betting.
The Road to Legalization
For years, Georgia lawmakers have debated the issue, with hopes that legalization would provide the state with significant revenue and boost the economy.
Yet, every time the issue comes up, it faces fierce opposition, primarily from conservative factions who argue that it would lead to increased gambling addiction and negatively affect communities.
The most recent push for sports betting in Georgia came in 2025, where the state was close to seeing a breakthrough. A bill was introduced that could have allowed both online and retail sportsbooks, but it failed to gain the support needed to pass through the legislature.
Despite this, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has continued to express his support for the issue, saying it’s an opportunity the state can’t afford to miss.
Reasons Behind the Struggle
Several factors have contributed to Georgia’s struggles with legalizing sports betting:
- Political resistance: Many state legislators, particularly from the religious right, have fought against the idea, seeing it as harmful to families and communities.
- Competition from neighboring states: Georgia is surrounded by states like Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama that have either legalized or are considering legalizing sports betting. As these states capitalize on the potential revenue, Georgia risks being left behind.
- Concerns about regulation: Some lawmakers are wary of how sports betting will be regulated, and whether it will lead to an increase in gambling addiction problems or illegal activity.
What’s Next for Georgia?
With Georgia lagging behind its neighbors, the state’s government is feeling increasing pressure to act. There’s still a chance for sports betting to pass, especially in future legislative sessions.
Political opposition remains strong, and it’s unclear when—or if—the state will overcome this resistance.
States to Watch
While Georgia continues to struggle with legalization, other states are seeing success in passing sports betting bills.
For comparison, here are a few states that are already reaping the rewards of legalized sports betting:
| State | Population | Year Legalized | Sports Betting Revenue (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 6.9 million | 2020 | $315 million |
| North Carolina | 10.5 million | 2023 | $150 million |
| Florida | 21.5 million | Pending | Forecasted at $450 million |
| Alabama | 5 million | Pending | Forecasted at $200 million |
As we can see, neighboring states are already enjoying significant revenue from sports betting. Georgia may soon need to take action to ensure it doesn’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.
Lawmakers will likely revisit the issue in the near future, but whether or not they’ll overcome the political and regulatory hurdles remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
The future of sports betting in Georgia remains uncertain. While the state’s residents are eager for legal sports betting options, it will take significant political will to overcome the barriers that have stalled progress.
Georgia’s neighbors are showing what could be accomplished, but whether the Peach State can overcome its struggles is yet to be determined.
Sources: Georgia Government, Legal Sports Betting Reports, Industry Experts
“It’s a shame we’re falling behind other states,” said local sports enthusiast Jerry Matthews. “We’ve seen the revenue and the benefits—Georgia just needs to act.”
Is this disheartening for Georgia sports betting fans? Of course. But a potential constitutional amendment vote to legalize sports betting was not scheduled until Nov. 2026.
The legislature will likely take up sports betting again next year. A vote in 2026 can still happen.
— RLinnehanSR (@RLinnehanSR) March 7, 2025
Darren Moore is an experienced sports writer with over a decade of expertise, having worked with Ladbrokes and Racing Post. He specializes in sports betting, providing expert insights and strategies to help bettors make informed decisions.
